Main Entry:

¹pro·fes·sion·al

Pronunciation:

\prə-ˈfesh-nəl, -ˈfe-shə-n^əl\

Function:

adjective

Date:

1606

1 a: of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession b: engaged in one of the learned professions c (1): characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2): exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace2 a: participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs <a professional golfer> b: having a particular profession as a permanent career <a professional soldier> c: engaged in by persons receiving financial return <professional football>3: following a line of conduct as though it were a profession <a professional patriot>

— pro·fes·sion·al·ly adverb